French
shipyard CMN, part of Privinvest holding company, is showcasing
a new version of its famous Baynunah
class corvette at NAVDEX 2015 defense exhibition held in Abu
Dhabi. Navy Recognition was the first to report that the new Mk II evolution
incorporates the latest innovations from CMN's research and development.
Here are some additional details we learned at NAVDEX 2015.

BR
71 Mk II corvette model at NAVDEX 2015

A
CMN representative explained that the helicopter hangar present on the
original BR 71 design (Baynunah class) has been replaced with two dedicated
spaces for RHIBs (one starboard side, one port side) in order to answer
growing needs for anti-piracy and visit board search and seizure (vbss)
capabilities.

The Mk II design features a larger helicopter platform. The bridge has
an almost 360 degrees field of view. The RWS (Nexter Narwhal on the
scale model) control stations are located at the back of the bridge.
The bridge on the BR 71 Mk II is larger compared to the original one.

The eight VLS cells have been moved forward to the bow (originally located
on each side above the helicopter hangar on the BR 71), the 76mm main
gun has been moved forward as a consequence. Similar to the UAE Navy
Baynunah class, the integrated mast houses a navigation radar, a 3D
surveillance radar and the electronic warfare suite.

BR
71 Mk II corvette model at NAVDEX 2015

According
to CMN, the sleeker design of the Mk II should have a positive impact
on the low observability qualities of the original Baynunah class but
the French shipyard still has to conduct studies to confirm this. The
Mk II is fitted with a new MTU engine and four waterjets as opposed to
three as found on the existing Baynuah class. Top speed remains the same
however (30 knots) and so does the endurance. Crew complement remains
unchanged.